DP World has completed the delivery of three Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) at Syria’s Port of Tartous, marking a major milestone in its US$800 million investment programme to modernise the facility. The new equipment is expected to increase the port’s cargo-handling capacity by approximately 40%.
The cranes will enable faster vessel turnaround and improve the handling of containerised, bulk and breakbulk cargo. Each crane is capable of handling around 2 million tonnes of cargo annually, significantly strengthening the port’s operational capacity.
The investment forms part of DP World’s 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate Tartous Port. The wider modernisation programme includes infrastructure upgrades, dredging works, quay-wall refurbishment, additional cargo-handling equipment and digital technologies.
The next phase will see the deployment of additional equipment, including forklift trucks and reach stackers, later this year. DP World also plans to introduce nine additional light-duty mobile harbour cranes during 2027 and early 2028, followed by a new quay crane in 2028.
Located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tartous has strategic potential as a gateway linking the country with Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye, as well as trade routes connecting the Eastern Mediterranean with Europe, the Gulf and North Africa.
The port’s modernisation is expected to improve supply-chain efficiency, reduce cargo bottlenecks and support the revival of Syria’s trade infrastructure. Recent activity at Tartous has already included the resumption of commercial operations at a berth previously used by Russian forces, with wheat and cement shipments arriving from Turkey.
DP World said the investment is intended to create a more efficient and competitive maritime gateway while supporting Syria’s longer-term economic recovery and integration into regional and international trade networks.